Joe Delaney is a true hero who paid the ultimate price
Have you heard of Joe Delaney? If not, you need to read this. And if you have, it’s time for the annual reminder of who he was and what he did, 31 years ago.
Joe Delaney, a Chiefs running back who had spent two years in the NFL as of June 29, 1983, noticed that a trio of young boys had waded into a man-made water hole. It contained an unknown deep end, and they quickly were in trouble.
“I can’t swim good,’ Joe said, ‘but I’ve got to save those kids. If I don’t come up, get somebody.’ And he rushed into the water.”
Joe Delaney was a second round pick from Northwestern State for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1981. He would be named AFC rookie of the year after rushing for 1121 yards. He was a starter in the Pro Bowl.
His brilliant young professional career was tragically cut short due to his actions at Critter's Creek in the six foot deep watering hole.
The News-Star:
Delaney died on June 29, 1983 while attempting to rescue three children from drowning in a pond in Monroe in northeastern Louisiana. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizen's Medal from U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan. While not officially retired, his jersey number while playing for the Chiefs, #37, has not been worn since his death.
If you’ve got a spare 22 minutes, watch the documentary the Chiefs produced to honor a true hero and a true role model. You can watch the video on the Chiefs website at kccheifs.com
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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